Janae’s little girl Kenzie spent a few days with us this past week. I adopted her as my own for 3 days. As she sat on the front porch watching Kaleb ride his bike she confided in me how very much she wished she too could ride a bike. She explained her lack of balance and her fear of falling. We discussed how her bike was still in storage and wouldn’t it be great if she could surprise her Mom and Dad with learning to ride a bike. We practiced on Kaleb’s which is considerably to small for her. Up and down the side walk we went until yes I admit I gave up. Worn out with trying to hold up and aid in the balance of the 90 some pound child I retreated into the house to rest. Then yesterday while sitting and chatting with Nae I glance out the window and there she is SHE’S Doing it! She had been out there practicing and practicing and finally out of pure determination and with no help from any of us she had learned on her own to ride her bike. We watched through the window as she continued to perfect her skills. Finally with pride and excitement, joyed with her accomplishment she runs in to tell her parents.

Oh, how I remember the bumps and bruises that led to the mastering of my own first bicycle. I called her “Desert rose” my first bike, my friend. What pride and freedom I attained when finally I rode her into the sunset down a long country sidewalk. Later I would tie ropes to the handle bars and pretend she was a horse, riding my trusty steed on long adventures, I would fight off bad guys and protect the west. What memories.

At some point I traded her in for a 10speed. A 10 speed with out a name. Hmmm.. .

Congratulations Kenzie on your new found freedom. Enjoy.